How Do I Find the Credentials of Realty Agents?

Investigate the credentials of real estate agents.

A real estate agent has a responsibility to represent clients ethically and in accordance with governing statutes. Because a home buyer or seller must trust a real estate agent to provide accurate advice in important situations, investigating an agent’s credentials prior to signing an agreement for representation can help protect you from fraud and ensure that you choose an agent with a stellar reputation. Find the credentials of realty agents by using the license number in a database search.

1

Ask the real estate agent for his license number and full professional name and write this information down.

2

Visit the Arello website to conduct a national search using the agent’s name or license number. This website will give you verification of a real estate agent’s license, provided the licensing state participates in the verification database.

3

Check the agent’s license information by visiting the real estate license information website for the state of California (or the state where the agent is located). Enter the agent’s name or license number and click “Find.”

4

Ask a prospective agent for a copy of her production record for the most recent or current year to validate any productivity claims. Ask the agent for a list of client references.

About the Author

Kathryn Hatter is a veteran home-school educator, as well as an accomplished gardener, quilter, crocheter, cook, decorator and digital graphics creator. As a regular contributor to Natural News, many of Hatter's Internet publications focus on natural health and parenting. Hatter has also had publication on home improvement websites such as Redbeacon.